The government is seeking to establish a special unit to fight human trafficking, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.
Murkomen said the anti-human trafficking unit will ensure stricter enforcement of labor migration regulations.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, the CS said the unit will see to it that individuals luring youth with fake promises of a better future abroad are brought to book.
“Human trafficking is a challenge that needs an all-of-society and multi-agency approach to curb it,” he stated.
Murkomen was responding to a question by Tarbaj MP Hussein Barre, who had requested a statement regarding the rampant cases of human trafficking in Northern Kenya.
Barre sought information on investigations into human trafficking in Northern Kenya and the country, including investigations into the operations of involved recruitment agencies.
He also sought information on measures being taken to ensure that the families and individuals who suffer these atrocities get justice and rehabilitation and long-term measures being implemented to address the problem.
In his response, Murkomen said police have confirmed several cases of human trafficking, where individuals lure youth with promises of a better future abroad.
The CS said several measures are being taken to ensure that the families and individuals who suffer these atrocities get justice and rehabilitation.
He said the government has put in place measures to prioritise the well-being of victims, including immediate rescue operations, legal aid, and psychosocial support to help them recover from their experiences.
He added that there is enhanced collaboration between law enforcement and humanitarian agencies.
“A coordinated framework has been strengthened to facilitate the reintegration of rescued victims, ensuring they receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives,” he stated.
Murkomen further stated that the police is actively investigating and acting upon information on recruitment agencies and suspicious individuals involved in trafficking, leading to their apprehension and being arraigned before court.
“Awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate communities on recognising and reporting human trafficking cases, empowering them to play a role in prevention and intervention efforts,” he added.
